United States President Donald Trump was seen with a visible red rash on the right side of his neck during a White House Medal of Honor ceremony on Monday, drawing public attention and renewed discussion about his health.
Photographs from the event showed a reddish patch with small brownish scabs extending above his shirt collar. The 79-year-old president, the oldest person ever elected to the office, appeared otherwise composed as he presided over the ceremony.
In response to questions, White House physician Sean Barbabella said the redness was linked to a routine medical treatment.
“President Trump is using a very common cream on the right side of his neck, which is a preventative skin treatment prescribed by the White House doctor,” Barbabella said in a statement. “The president is using this treatment for one week, and the redness is expected to last for a few weeks.”
The appearance of the rash comes shortly after a demanding weekend in which Trump authorized U.S. military strikes on Iran, placing him at the center of heightened geopolitical tensions.
In recent months, the president has also been photographed with bruising on his hands. The White House previously attributed those marks to aspirin use. There have also been public discussions surrounding swelling in his legs and brief moments during events where he appeared fatigued.
Last year, the administration disclosed that Trump had been diagnosed with chronic venous insufficiency, a common circulatory condition in which weakened vein valves allow blood to pool in the legs, potentially causing swelling, cramping and skin changes.